As the sting of the hot summer sun recedes, we look back on a wonderful season filled with unique dining experiences. We had the pleasure of meeting over a hundred lovely new guests from a diverse range of countries including: America, Britain, the Netherlands, Germany and Singapore. Meeting so many enthusiastic food lovers and sharing delicious food, good conversation and insights is always very rewarding.
With the cooler months approaching, we’re ready to embrace cosy winter dishes and the discover of more hidden gems across Sydney’s vibrant inner-city dining scene. This month we are celebrating the continuing revival of Darlinghurst. Introducing The Velvet Glove, a swanky Art Deco inspired bar and Avia, a neighbourhood restaurant in Taylor Square, as part of our tour route. From intimate cocktail bars to hearty, soul-warming menus, there’s always more to explore in Sydney town.
New Player | The Velvet Glove
We are excited to announce the addition of The Velvet Glove to our Darlinghurst dining experience.
Nestled on the edge of Darlinghurst, boasting a view of the iconic Coke Sign - often referred to as the beating heart of Sydney - this swanky bar/restaurant offers a truly unique dining experience with a short but sophisticated menu, well-crafted cocktails and a thoughtfully curated wine list.
Step into a beautiful Art Deco inspired dining room with slick marble and granite surfaces, low lighting and plush velvet furniture, via a discreet entrance-way off the intersection of Darlinghurst Road and William Street.
The multi-media screens above the dining room showcase a collection of famous art images, courtesy of ART Plus Gallery, creating the perfect backdrop. The generously proportioned terrace floating above the buzz of William Street, dressed in lush plants and softly lite nickel & glass lanterns has an enchanting romantic vibe.
Explore the tailored wine list and food menu, with French inspired cuisine choose from a variety of dishes including a half-dozen Appellation Rock Oysters, shucked to order, with lemon & raspberry vinegar mignonette or Coral Trout Fillet served with blistered heirloom cherry tomato, capers and green olive cheek puttanesca.
We can’t wait to introduce this venue to our guests, whom we are sure will appreciate the polished professionalism of Darlo’s newest arrival.
New Player | Avia
We are excited to announce the addition of Avia to our Darlo’ dining experience.
The owner/operators of this smart dining room are the very approachable Stefano Marano and Jack Reid, veterans of the local hospitality scene, who originally met at The Apollo, Potts Point. Stefano gained valuable experience at Copenhagen’s Hart Bageri and as executive chef at Le Foote, whilst Jack worked as Apollo’s floor manager before spending time at Melbourne’s Supernormal and Brisbane’s Greca, and Yoko.
Stefano's dream of owning a restaurant spans a decade, with his menu inspired by his grandmother, Nonna Pina. “It’s a celebration of her lessons on cooking for others and being a good host,” he shares.
The 60-seat venue features polished concrete floors, olive green walls, and a curved wooden bar. The best seats are by the front window, opening onto Taylor Square with outdoor seating ideal for checking-out the Darlo street life. The interior balances modernity and a lived-in feel, making it seem like it’s always been there.
We are looking forward to introducing our guests to this fabulous dining room.
The Sydney Connection Aperitivo at Avia
Avia's Amaro Braulio Spritz or Avia's Blonde Americano Spritz
Bread & Sugo
Coffee roasted pumpkin + house curd + sumac
House made cured meats + Guindilla peppers